So how effective are they?

The manager of a Wairarapa Maori health service specialising in drug and alcohol programmes has been convicted of drink-driving for the fifth time.

My rule of thumb is that means he has probably driven drunk around 500 times or so.

Taiawhio Tame Gemmell manages Masterton-based Te Hauora Runanga O Wairarapa, which is funded by the Wairarapa District Health Board and lists drug and alcohol counselling and education programmes among its core services.

They don’t seem very good at it if one of their own managers seems impervious to change.

Gemmell’s supervisor at the health service said yesterday the conviction was “a blow” to the organisation, but she supported him and hoped he would not resign, or be forced to.

“If I had a problem with the way he worked, that would be different. But he’s a good manager,” runanga board chairwoman Angie Pourau said.

If his supervisor is the board chair, then he is the equivalent of the chief executive. There is a strong leadership role with such a senior position. I think his position is untenable.

She knew Gemmell had four previous convictions for drink-driving when he was hired, but his alcohol problem was no barrier, as he was not directly involved with drug and alcohol counselling.

Doesn’t matter, if he is the chief executive.

“Nobody’s perfect, and when you look at our client base it’s those who really need our help. I honestly believe Maoridom will support him because he’s an excellent manager.”

The question I have, is what is the success rate of this organisation in terms of treating people with alcohol and drug problems? My suspicion is low, based on their relaxed attitude to even their CEO being a recidivist drink driver.

Harriet

With respect David, ‘the success rate’ may be an issue, but the more important issue is why he and the supervisor appear to have no regard for the Law. I thought you may have raised that point further.

duggledog

Harriet

It’s a Pakeha law, therefore redundant. When it suits, Pakeha law is absolutely paramount.

Seriously though, what a story. Every day there is at least one very bad news story concerning Maori in the news. Today this guy, yesterday some foolish woman who thought it was a good idea to use drugs in Indo, on it goes.

Nostalgia-NZ

I’m surprised that the employer is not insisting that Gemmell takes part in an alcohol and drug programme at the very least, or see his suitability for the job re-visited. If he’s so good at his job, as the supervisor points out, that doesn’t ring true with his failure to address his own alcohol issues. His alcohol problems are a barrier to him doing his job properly despite not being involved in the drug and alcohol counselling of others. His position towards the clients is that they have problems for which they need help but that he however he no has serious problems despite being a recidivist drink driver putting others at risk. Bad message and comprehension.

Simon

It doesnt really matter as the whole situation is a farce anyway. It not about outcomes.

The DHB’s struggle/cant cope with the junkie/ pisshead human wreckage that turns up and overwhelms the system. They pay subbies to help manage the wreckage to help stop the wards being over flooded. Thats it.

Here is some money just keep them from the wards. For the DHB I expect this manager is effective.

Harriet

The example he is setting is that Maori should not be questioned by anyone for repeatedly breaking the law, be it managers or owners.

In the private sector most people who do this would then be seen as someone who would also break company rules – someone who should not be trusted, not manage others, not be responsable for systems, money, accounting or an other position without someone needing to look over their sholder.

‘Equality’ is not about being unqueastioned by ‘responsable’ people for repeatedly breaking the law.

corrigenda

igm

Birds of a feather . . . and rip the system to the extreme. Come on Tony Ryall, stop funding this disgrace, review employment contracts, and do a full audit. It appears no better than the Pipi Trust, and look what was uncovered there.